Run Over to Ravenswood

Easter was last weekend. The Boston Marathon was almost two weeks ago. The Shamrock Shuffle was almost three weeks ago. Unless you're injured like me (calf, ankle, shin, tibia: I hate you) or are running a marathon this weekend, you really don't have much of an excuse to skip a run, especially when it's a 5K race. And it's in the neighborhood--Ravenswood residents don't have to travel far to race. And it's been known to produce some fast times. And it's still open for registration ($35). And it benefits the Ravenswood Community Services Food Pantry and the student health centers at Lake View and Amundsen High Schools--all of the race's proceeds go to these organizations.

Its name? The Ravenswood Run, a 5K taking place at 8 a.m. on Sunday, May 1, in Chicago's Ravenswood neighborhood. The race starts and finishes at All Saints Episcopal Church located at 4550 N. Hermitage, basically where Hermitage meets Wilson, and has gained a reputation for being a great race for the running community. But one thing you may not have known about the Ravenswood Run--and not that it's celebrating its 15th running this year--is that it also has a charity arm. Fleet Feet Sports Chicago owner Dave Zimmer, who also helps organize the race, recognized the area as a great place to run, and hold a race. But he also saw that there was a growing need to help the local community. All of the proceeds from the race go to the three charities--Ravenswood Community Services Food Pantry and the student health centers at Lake View and Amundsen High Schools--and the race expects to raise at least $36,000 this year to help reduce hunger in the north side neighborhood. Fleet Feet is also collecting food and monetary donations before the race and on-site race morning.

“Since the race started fifteen years ago, the number of participants has continued to grow, and our donations have also increased -- helping the pantry keep up with the demand,” says Zimmer.

For more details about the race, or to register, check out www.ravenswoodrun.com.


Photo courtesy of Fleet Feet Sports.